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Science News Archive April 2012 - Page 29


Page 29 of 29

New boost for pancreatic cancer therapy

Scientists at Fox Chase Cancer Center have discovered compounds that enhance the effects of gemcitabine, improving its ability to kill pancreatic cancer cells. This breakthrough could lead to a lower dose of chemotherapy with fewer side effects, potentially increasing survival rates for patients.

Researchers find little secondary cancer risk from multi-detector CT scans in Medicare population

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology found that multi-detector CT scans pose a lower risk of developing secondary cancers among older adults. The researchers analyzed data from Medicare claims spanning eight years and estimated that only 0.03-0.04 percent of the population would develop radiation...

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateApr 2, 2012

Scripps Florida scientists shed light on age-related memory loss and possible treatments

Researchers found that stimulating specific neurons can reverse age-related memory defects in fruit flies, which may have implications for human memory disorders. The study used functional cellular imaging to monitor neuron activity and showed that cold-activated ion channels can rescue intermediate-term memory.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2012

Teen alcohol and illicit drug use and abuse examined in study

A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that most teenagers who use alcohol and drugs start using them during adolescence, with the median age of onset at 14 years old. By late adolescence, nearly three-quarters of teens reported having consumed alcohol, and one-fifth had met criteria for lifetime abuse.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateApr 2, 2012

Epigenetic changes in twins and babies of dieting mothers increase obesity, diabetes risk

Epigenetic changes in gene structure lead to higher incidents of obesity and diabetes for mothers with poor nutrition at the time of conception. The study found that dieting around the time of conception and early pregnancy can alter genes controlling food intake and glucose levels, increasing the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

How black holes grow

A University of Utah astrophysicist has proposed that supermassive black holes in galaxy centers grow by consuming single stars from wandering binary pairs. The study found that this process is an efficient way to bring stars close to black holes, outperforming gas clouds as a growth mechanism.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 1, 2012

New discovery may lead to effective prevention and treatment of graft-versus-host dsease

Scientists have discovered that the platelet activating factor receptor plays a crucial role in graft-versus-host disease, which can cause significant tissue damage and mortality. Blocking this receptor may lead to reduced tissue injury and improved survival rates for patients undergoing bone marrow transplants.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateApr 1, 2012